Century movie theatre coming soon to La Quinta

Movie theater to open in Washington Park Shopping Center in 2015

LA QUINTA, Calif. - The city of La Quinta is known for its scenic mountains and PGA golf courses, and soon it will be the home of a 12-screen, all-digital movie theater.

Cinemark announced its plans to break ground on the theater in the new Washington Park Shopping Center off Washington Street and Ave. 47, south of Highway 111 behind Target and Lowes.

"I'm pretty excited because I love movies and we always have to go to Palm Desert or Indio," said Nicola Germani, 17, of La Quinta.

The Century Washington Park theatre is set to open in the spring of 2015, just in time for the summer movie blockbuster season. Besides the new XD technology being used, there will also be a lobby bar with beer, wine and frozen cocktails.

Nearby restaurant and shop owners hope good movies will bring them good business.

"I like movies, pizza and a movie," said Bucatini Pizzeria owner Enzo Amodeo.

The pizzeria celebrated its one year anniversary Wednesday and Amodeo said he's fired up for movie goers to take over his tables.

"It's huge. It's going to be helpful. It's going to be a destination," he said.

Lauren Boucher, owner of Boucher Fine Jewelers said the theater is much needed after the recession left multiple surrounding businesses empty.

"I think it's going to wake to wake up our neighborhood it's a gorgeous development. It's right where everything is happening."

City council member Linda Evans said filling the space is part of the plan.

"This is a great opportunity to attract other businesses. This is an answer from the city council to the residents. The residents have been asking for a movie theater for year and it's exciting to see it's coming to fruition."

A La Quinta Hobby Lobby craft store is also in the works on Highway 111 and a potential for new auto dealerships. The city said its future aims to benefit all generations.

"We want to have something for everyone in the family. Having the opportunity to gather after sports practice, club meetings, or golf round, a movie theater is a great gathering place," said Evans.

"It's almost like the sleeping giant finally woke up," said Boucher.

Copyright 2014 Gulf California Broadcasting. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.